Bulls' Deng goes with the flow

And he's so much a part of it that he leads league in minutes played with stellar game at both ends

February 23, 2013|By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune reporter

OKLAHOMA CITY — Luol Deng has learned some things over the years.

He has learned when to speed things up and slow them down, playing with efficiency and an economy of movement that allows him to handle whatever workload coach Tom Thibodeau throws his way.

Lately, for a variety of reasons, that workload has been less strenuous than usual. For four straight games, Deng has played 34 minutes, 58 seconds or less. In Friday night's blowout victory in Charlotte, Deng logged just 27:49.

"Every game is different," Deng said. "I just play when I'm asked to play. Sometimes I play more. Sometimes I play less."

This easy-going approach aids Deng in his ability to handle leading the league in average minutes per game at 39.2. The Thunder's Kevin Durant, a Sunday opponent, ranks second at 39.

Deng is on pace to play just more than 3,015 minutes this season, which would be the third-highest total of his career. That it would be less than the 3,071 he logged for Scott Skiles in 2006-07 could debunk the myth that Thibodeau is the only coach to play core players heavy minutes. That Thibodeau has dropped Deng's minutes lately could too.

"I thought I was a little fatigued before the (All-Star) break," Deng said. "But I feel like I'm getting my energy back up."

This, again, comes with experience. All-Star weekend is a demanding time for players, filled with league-sponsored activities and community service appearances. But Deng said his second time around it allowed him to get rest when needed.

He has averaged 13.3 points on 16-for-37 shooting (43.2 percent) and 5.3 rebounds in the three games since.

"I don't think I've struggled with my shot," Deng said. "Against the Heat, I missed some silly shots, some tip-ins around the rim. I thought I shot it well in New Orleans. I shot it well (Friday in Charlotte).

"I've been in the league for nine years now. I'm patient. I know what I can do. I know sometimes you go through slumps or struggles. I'm mentally fine. I'll stick with it, keep doing what I do and it will come back."

In recent seasons, Deng has closed in strong fashion statistically. He shot 51 percent while averaging 16.5 points in eight April games in 2010-11, a season in which he played in all 82 games. In last season's shortened lockout schedule, he averaged 15 points in March and April.

"My goal is to get better down the stretch," Deng said. "I'm doing a good job of taking care of my body. I'm looking forward to finishing strong."